Results tagged “Book Review”

This summer, I am taking part of our local library's adult reading challenge. We are to read 16 books by the middle of August and there are certain categories we have to read from. This is an attempt to get us to look at books we might otherwise ignore. I am enjoying it and I chose the book "102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers" by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn.

As most of us, I remember exactly where I was when the towers were attacked and how I felt in the days afterwards. I couldn't believe what I was seeing on the television. The enormity of what had happened only barely began to sink in during those days and I cried many tears for those who had lost their lives and for our country that I knew would never be the same. This book is an account of people who were inside the Towers during the attack and the minutes leading up to the collapse of the north tower. As the title reminds us, the whole catastrophe took 102 minutes from beginning to end.

If you read the book, you will be amazed at the heroism of many, of the lack of communication between rescue workers and how these attacks made everything that couldn't go wrong, go wrong (broken sprinkler system, broken PA system and more). You will read the thoughts of people fighting to survive. Some were successful, some were not. And you will realize that hind sight is always twenty-twenty, but foresight had some good ideas too, it was just that people weren't listening.

The authors do an excellent job of putting this story together and it was not an easy job to tackle. I highly recommend this if you want to know more about what went on September 11, 2001.

I have rediscovered my love of reading. When I was growing up, I always had a book with me. I read as I brushed my teeth, dried my hair, ate my breakfast, walked to the bus stop, on the way to school and whenever I had a break during the day. My senior year of highschool, I read over 100 books. My favorites at the time were gothic romance, Stephen King, Dean Koontz and John Saul. My 12th grade English teacher, Mrs. Boswell, told me it was fine to read the fun stuff, but to be sure to spend time in the classics as well. I took her advice to heart and developed a love for Hardy, Steinbeck, Dickens and Vonnegut (to name a few). Well, now my challenge to myself is to read nonfiction books as well as fiction.

You can check on my Shelfari account in the sidebar of my blog to see what all I have been reading this year. I read from my Kindle while I exercise and then from the stack of books that I have collected over the last 10 years, but hadn't gotten around to reading. The book I finished today was Reversing Heart Disease. It is a book that my hubby bought a few years ago, but then never read. When my dear friend, Carole, called me to tell me her hubby had had a heart attack, Daniel remembered the book and told her about it. I thought to myself...this is a book I should read, so onto my shelf it went. And I got a copy of Reversing Diabetes by Dr. Whitaker to read on my Kindle. I have a history of Diabetes in my family. I am overweight, sedentary and love to eat sweets. Last August, after my yearly physical, my doctor sent me my blood test results and a prescription for a cholesterol medication.

I read this book because it is the book that my husband's grandfather read more that 75 years ago and later he gave the name 'Tess' to my mother-in-law. I had heard the story before that she had been named for the main character in this book, but had never read it.

This story will transport you to another time. A time when there were squatters and they were treated horribly. A time when people's preconceived ideas and expectations led them to make poor and unfounded judgments (oh wait...we still do that). You will follow a young girl and see a mustard seed of faith grow in her. And you will see that even though she has none of the 'modern advantages,' she is the one who is the richest.

Tess passed away two months ago and we located the book to read. The story captured me early on and is one of love and faith and adventure and drama and unfairness. I am sure that Mr. Brown wanted his daughter to have the fine qualities of Tess when he chose this name for her. She lived up to the name and her dad's expectations.

We miss you Tess.

I purchased this book a few months ago and have been reading it a little at a time. There are so many great tips in here! With money tight these days, I highly recommend that you add it to your shelf!

The book is written by Rebecca DiLiberto and is divided into the following sections: In the Kitchen, Around the House, Lifestyle, Fun and Leisure. There are so many great tips in here, that the only way I can figure out to make the most of this book is to pick a few at a time, get them to be a habit, then move on.

Here is a small sample of some of the ways to save money:

"If you burn milk when heating it on the stove, add a pinch of salt to take away the scorched smell and taste. (this also works with coffee)"

"When you brew a pot of coffee that nobody drinks, don't pour it down the drain. Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays to add to iced coffee instead of ice cubes."

"There's nothing more frustrating than over-salting a soup or stew that you've spent countless hours and dollars on. Don't throw it out! Try adding some wedges of raw potato or apple to absorb the salt. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes or so, then removed the wedges. IF your soup is still too salty, try sprinkling in a spoonful of sugar. And if that doesn't work, a dash of apple cider vinegar may do the trick. Finally, try diluting with water or low-sodium broth."

A friend of mine loaned me this book back in the fall to read because we had been talking about Clinton, Kennedy and rumors of Abraham Lincoln. If you are interested in how prevalent extramarital affairs are among the United States Presidential population, it's a good book to read. Published during the Clinton administration, I am sure the idea came about because of the scandals that President Clinton was involved in.

The truth of the matter is that Presidents all the way back to George Washington have dallied. Some more than others. I have to say, I am amazed at the way the media kept their lips shut during the Kennedy administration about his behavior. And I honestly don't know how his wife put up with it or how he ever managed to do anything Presidential. President Clinton seemed determined to follow in Kennedy's footsteps. I didn't realize half of what was going on with either President.

I also found that Woodrow Wilson is a President I want to learn more about. I didn't realize he was such a learned man and since his library isn't too far away, I hope to get out and visit it this year.

At any rate, the book is interesting and discusses a side of Presidents that we don't generally know much about.

After reading Randy Singer's book, Directed Verdict, I was eager to have the opportunity to read more of his work.

By Reason of Insanity is excellent! Mr. Singer catches court room drama at its most intense. When a person was accused of horrific crimes, I just knew it had to be a set up, but when I found out the rest of the story, I was blown away! I didn't even see it coming! This is a story of justice, sacrifice and a gift from God. It is fast paced, extremely well written and will keep you turning pages until you reach the satisfying ending!

So if you would like to read this awesome book and you live in the U.S., go ahead and leave a comment below and I will have a drawing bright and early Monday, March 2, 2009.

You can just say something like...hey, I'd love to win, or you can leave a more in depth comment to make me laugh or ponder (those are always appreciated)! I will choose the name using a random number generator!

I acquired this book during our visit to Chicago last summer. I had read years ago about the horrible Dr. H.H. Holmes and I wanted to read more about it and about the World's Fair that took place in Chicago. Erik Larson's book did not disappoint and in fact I have become a fan of Mr. Larson and plan to read more of his books in the future. This book is chock full of historical information. I was amazed at all of the things that came into being because of the World's Fair. What a feat that its very existence was. And then mixed in with the thrill and frustrations of one of the most famous events to ever take place in America, was the madness and cunning of a very evil man. The juxtaposition of evil and goodness, ugliness and beauty makes this book a fascinating read. I highly recommend it if you are interested in history or the criminal mind. But if you are squeamish, you might want to steer clear of this book about this famous serial killer (or just read the chapters about the fair and Larson goes back and forth throughout the book).

Last night I was up until about 1:00 A.M. finishing reading Directed Verdict by Randy Singer. My Paralegal Teacher awarded me with this book last semester for having the highest score in our class. I was in the middle of reading another book and wanted to finish that before I began this. I have to say Directed Verdict is excellent!

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. As a graduate of William and Mary and a resident of the Williamsburg, VA area for 5 years, I delighted in reading about some of my old haunts in this book. I remembered the romantic atmosphere at The Trellis and the fun walking down DOG (Duke of Gloucester) street and the dread of driving through the Hampton Roads Tunnel. It brought back memories of Confusion Corner and the unusual mixture of tourists and college students. It was very cool to read a story with a legal student from a place that is so near and dear to my heart.

I enjoyed this book because it really gave some inside view of how paralegals work (and since I want to be one, this information was absolutely fascinating!) I don't know if I will be as daring and able to think on my feet as Nikki Moreno, but boy, she was on top of things! And Leslie Connors...well, let's just say that you can't underestimate the quiet types.

Then there was the spiritual aspect thrown in which I didn't expect, but for me, added to the story. Christians are persecuted in spots around the world (and including here at home in the U.S.) I was drawn in by the main case that this story revolved around.

And if all that wasn't enough, this book is written by a lawyer. It is fast paced, well-written, and exciting.

I am looking forward to reading more of Mr. Singer's books! If you are looking for a new author to try out, I highly recommend this one!

I have known Dotti Enderle for ten years and I have had the privilege of reading the majority of what she has written during that time. Dotti's talents are wide and varied. She has written wonderful picture books such as Grandpa for Sale, The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair, and Granny Gert and The Bunion Brothers. Also, to her credit, she wrote The Fortune Teller Club Series, Hidden, a variety of educational books, and dozens of magazine articles. She is a storyteller, a child at heart, and writes some of the best dialogue I have ever written anywhere. Her insight into her characters and the way they would speak is supreme! The dialogue is never stilted, but always true to the character.

The kids and I just finished another of Dotti's books called Man in the Moon. Dotti's stories often have a magical quality to them. And this one is no different. Janine, growing up in rural Texas, in 1961, discovers the magic and wonder of the world when an unusual visitor stops by for a visit. Janine is struggling with her parents economic situation, her younger brother's illness and her feelings about her life. As I read through this story, I remembered my own youth spent on a farm and the long summer days and the prospect of something exciting lying around every corner.

The children enjoyed listening to the book and I enjoyed reading it. We were all hoping that things would turn out well in the end, but if you want to know the answer to that question, you will have to read the book yourself! Be sure to check out Dotti's other books, either using the links above or by visiting her website!

I challenge you to read this book! If you have not already read it, put it on your Christmas list or check it out from your library. But it is a book you will enjoy reading and that will have a profound impact on your life (in my humble opinion).

I read about this book a couple of months ago on a blog somewhere. I don't remember where, but I put it on my Shelfari as a book I wanted to read. I have a stack I have been working through and not much time to read, so I hadn't gotten to The Shack yet, but a couple of weeks ago, my mother-in-law asked me if I had heard of The Shack. I told her I had and I wanted to read it. She said she was just about finished with it and would like to see what I thought of it, so she mailed it to me. I finished it today.

It is an amazing story! It is the story of a dad's anguish over the brutal kidnapping and death of his daughter and how that anguish grows inside of him...cutting him off from others and more importantly from God. But he has an amazing experience where he gets to meet God and he learns more about the true nature of God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost than he had ever experienced before. By the end of the book, he is a changed being and I believe any who read it and really think of what it says will be changed as well.

We have followed author Paeony Lewis for several years and were excited to see her latest book. We weren't disappointed. This is a sweet book about what it takes to be a friend. And the tale is wrapped up in delightful illustrations as we watch two polar bears work out the challenge of 'who gets to pick the games to play?'

If you have a child who always wants to be the one to pick what he and his friends are doing or if you have a child who has a friend that never wants to play the games she wants, this book may help them to have more fun with their friends and less strife.

With Christmas around the corner, this book will make a lovely surprise under your Christmas tree for your child!

I picked this book up at a book sale thinking to sell it on eBay, but when I looked it up, the value wasn't worth listing and I kept it for myself to read. I am glad I did. An interesting tale set in Alaska, this story is very interesting. A bunch of stories in the lives of people living in the frozen north. It is like getting a peek into people's homes and lives.

If you would like to read a book by the man who made Motel 6 famous, a book that has a 'down home' quality, and a book that will make you alternately laugh and shake your head in disbelief, you may very well enjoy this book.

If you would like to read my copy of the book, just leave me a comment. First come, first serve (sorry, U.S. addresses only). I'll pop it in the mail to you!

A couple of months ago, I watched the movie, The Secret. I was so intrigued by the ideas presented by the movie, that I looked for the book. I purchased the book and the gratitude book as well. The gratitude book is basically a journal that encourages you to start thinking positively and sending out positive vibes to the universe.

From the dust jacket cover:

Fragments of a Great Secret have been found in the oral traditions, in literature, in religions and philosophies throughout the centuries. For the first time, all th epieces of The Secret come together in an incredible revelation that will be life-transforming for all who experience it.

Last week, I reviewed Barbara Frank's book, The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling. This week, I have the honor of reviewing another of her books, Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers.

The first thing I have to say about this book is that I think it needs a new title. I think it should be called Life Prep for Teenagers as I believe it is a book that would be valuable for all teenagers, those in public school, private school or home school. I wish I had had access to this book when I was in high school and I am looking forward to reading the books from the book list that Barbara provides and working through the projects with my children when they are older. Not only that, but I am going to go through the college bound section with my 16 year old next door neighbor and babysitter. We are great friends with her mom and Ashley has become like family to us.

I have been visiting Barbara Frank's Blog for about 2 1/2 years now. Barbara is sharp, has excellent and informative posts and is more than happy to share her homeschooling journey with others. I was tickled when I had the opportunity to read her book The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling.

I should start out by saying that I have relied mostly on experienced homeschoolers and unschoolers for my information over the years. I have never had a great track record for reading 'how to' books. My reading time is scarce and I prefer to spend it reading interesting biographies and all sorts of fiction. Most nonfiction books that relate how to do something or how something worked for someone else, tend to leave me snoozing in my chair...but not this book.

I have been a fan of Dean Koontz for around 25 years. I have read most every book he has ever written, though I think I may have missed a recent one or two. At any rate, my hubby purchased this book back in the fall for one of his airplane reading books. I am finally getting a chance to read it.

As usual, Dean Koontz does not disappoint. He takes his well-known love of golden retrievers and combines it with his ability to write page turning novels and creates a great read! If you like golden retrievers or are a dog lover in general, you will love this book. If you like a fast paced, page turner that keeps you guessing up to the last chapters, you will like this book.

This is a story of love, sacrifice, revenge, mystery and spiritual growth.

I give this book 5 stars.

Guess what, it is time again for bloggers to unite and participate in a week of Bloggy Giveaway! This is a great time for all (except maybe our clicking fingers and our families that we ignore while surfing through great contests) and I am happy to be part of it.

This month, I have read and reviewed Kathy Herman's Seaport Suspense Series.

I have reviewed each book and if you are so inclined, you can find those reviews by following the links below:

These four books are amazing stories. All of them tackle tough issues that we face everyday and wrap those up in suspenseful stories with a large dose of inspiration. Through these books, you get to watch a family deal with tough issues and how their relationship with God helps them do it. I can't say enough about how much I have enjoyed reading these four books and how I have been inspired by them.

To win, all you have to do is comment below. Sorry, but this contest is only open to U.S. residents. I will pick a winner at random using the random generator on Friday evening, August 1st at 6 pm EST. Good luck! And remember, if you don't win or can't wait, click on my Shelfari book shelf and order your copies today.

Now, that you have signed up here, head over to Bloggy Giveaways for tons and tons more contests to enter! Get your mouse finger ready!

Man, this ability to read for hours on end has been so nice. I am going to miss the time when I return to Virginia.

Today, I read Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. I believe I picked this book up at a book sale. I have seen the movies The Notebook and Message in a Bottle and I have read the book, Message in a Bottle. I love the depth of the characters in Sparks' writing. He writes about real people in real situations in such a way that the reader becomes part of the story, becomes entranced by the story.

Dear John is an excellent book. It is a love story. It is a growing up story. It is a story of sacrifice. From a rebellious teenager who doesn't understand his father to a gentleman who learns how to show love, this story will capture you and hold you until the very end.

I give this book five stars. I highly recommend it!

I won this book back in the fall and am finally getting a chance to read it. I have so enjoyed catching up on my reading, but I probably still have 100 books at home that I have acquired over the last few years that I haven't read yet....going to book sales is something I should not do until I have read the books I already have.... Anyway....

This book combines unusual characters (preachers, deacons, mobsters, and detectives) in a quirky story. There are several threads in this story.

1. Mark Hogan has always longed to own a boat, and when his pastor predicts the day for the Rapture, he sees this as his chance...after all, once he's gone, he won't have to worry about the bill, right? (or the mobsters that he borrowed the money from).

2. Reverend Daniel Glory - a crackpot minister who is trying to convince everyone that he has figured out the day of The Rapture. His conviction leads to problems for Hogan and for the mob. Too bad, he didn't pay more attention to his bible reading.

3. Detective Charlie Paschall is an intuitive and smart detective with great skills on the job, but who becomes a bit flustered when he tries to figure out just where he should volunteer at church. Not only does he figure out who kills the minister, but he does finally find the perfect place for him to volunteer.

Yesterday, I finished reading the last book in Kathy Herman's Seaport Suspense series. One of the biggest suprises for me was to realize that some of the characters show up again in the Phantom Hollow Series. I didn't make the connection until the author pointed it out at the end. That was pretty cool!

Kathy is not afraid to tackle tough issues and this book tackles one of the toughest...racism. It really struck a chord with me because a friend and I had been recently discussing racism. For some of us who don't have racist feelings, it is a huge surprise to find out that there are those out there who still do and who have strong ones. I grew up with a grandmother whose best friend was a black lady. One of my best friends was a black girl, one of my mom's favorite co-workers was a black man and one of the best carpenters my dad worked with was a black man. There was a biracial kid I went to school with who I remember people saying ugly things to him. I actually attended school with two biracial kids that I knew. And one of them, no one ever said anything to her that I am aware of. The boy had a personality that left him the butt of much ugliness. Would he have been picked on because he was biracial if he hadn't had that personality? I don't know.